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Department of Geology and Mineral Industries

Learn More About Oregon's Geology
 
Geologic Sightseeing
The Oregon landscape has been shaped by plate tectonics and millions of years of volcanic activity. Visitors who travel through the state will find many opportunities to examine the scenic geology and see and collect samples of minerals, rocks, and fossils. Oregon can be divided into the following 9 geologic provinces, each with outstanding geologic scenery.
 
map legend
Coastal Range Klamath Mountains Deschutes-Columbia Plateau Blue Mountains High Lava Plains Cascade Range Willamette Valley Basin & Range & Owyhee uplands Basin & Range & Owyhee uplands
Graphic by Elizabeth L. Orr, Geology of Oregon, available from Nature of the Northwest
map legenda
  Blue Mountains Willamette Valley Deschutes-Columbia plateau Klamath Mountains Coast Range map legendb Cascade Mountains Basin Range & Owyhee uplands High Lava plains Owyhee Uplands Cascade Mountains Basin & Range & Owyhee Uplands High Lava Plains Owyhee Uplands Cascade Mountains Basin & Range & Owyhee Uplands High Lava Plains Owyhee Uplands Cascade Mountains Basin & Range & Owyhee Uplands High Lava Plains Owyhee Uplands Cascade Mountains Basin & Range & Owyhee Uplands High Lava Plains Owyhee Uplands
 
Maps and publications about Oregon's Geology and its geologic treasures are available from the Nature of the Northwest Information Center, operated by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Nature of the Northwest is open 9 am to 12:30 pm and 1 to 4 pm, Monday through Friday at:
 
800 NE Oregon Street #28, Suite 965
Portland Oregon 97232
ph. 971-673-2331, fax 971-673-1562
Web address: http://www.naturenw.org.
 
Sparkslake
Sparks Lake in the central Oregon Cascades offers spectacular views in a quiet setting.
 
More resources on Oregon's Geology (and other interesting stuff)